Overview of Helium Leak Detector
The helium mass spectrometer leak detector (HMSLD) utilizes helium
as a tracer gas due to its unique properties:
Small atomic size: Helium can penetrate even the smallest leaks.
Inert nature: Helium is chemically stable and non-reactive, ensuring it doesn't
damage the components during testing.
Low natural abundance: Helium is rare in the atmosphere (~5 ppm), so background
interference is minimal, allowing for highly sensitive detection.
The instrument works by detecting helium gas escaping through leaks
in a test object. It uses a mass spectrometer to identify helium
ions, which are separated and measured based on their
mass-to-charge ratio.
Technical Specifications of Helium Leak Detector
7inch Color Touch Screen Helium Leak Detector with Leak Detection
Rate 5*10-13 Pa·m3/s |
|---|
| Product Name | Helium Leak Detector |
| Diamension | 645*678*965mm |
| Operating temperature | 0~40°C |
| Detectable Quality | 2, 3, 4 (H2, He3, He4) |
| User Interface | 7inch Color Touch Screen |
| Detection Method | Helium Leak Detection |
| Mini Leak Detection Rate(Pa.m3/s)/Vaccum Mode | 5*10-13 Pa·m3/s |
| Communication Interface | RS232/485, USB*2 |
| Max Allowable Leak Detection Pressure (Pa) | 1500 |
| Ion Source | 2pcs, Iridium Coated Yttrium Oxide, Automatic Switching |
| Main Features | Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector, Helium mass spectrometer Leak
Detector, helium leak testing |
| Mini Leak Detection Rate(Pa.m3/s)/Sniffer Mode | 5*10-9 Pa·m3/s |
| Start Time | 2min |
| Leak Detection Port | DN25KF |
| Power | AC220V, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Language | Chinese/English |
Application of Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detectors in the
Lithium Battery Industry
Helium mass spectrometer leak detectors are highly sensitive
instruments widely used in industries where leak detection is
critical, including the lithium battery industry. Lithium-ion
batteries are extensively used in electric vehicles, consumer
electronics, and renewable energy storage systems. Ensuring the
hermetic sealing and leak-tightness of lithium battery components
is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. Helium mass
spectrometer leak detection plays a key role in achieving these
requirements.
1. Leak Testing of Battery Cells
- Lithium-ion battery cells must be hermetically sealed to prevent
the ingress of air and moisture, which can lead to chemical
reactions, degradation, and safety hazards (e.g., thermal runaway
or explosions).
- Helium leak detectors are used during the manufacturing process to
test the seal integrity of battery cells. The cells are pressurized
with helium, and any escaping helium is detected by the mass
spectrometer, identifying leaks with high precision.
2. Leak Testing of Battery Packs and Modules
- A battery pack consists of multiple cells enclosed in a protective
casing. The casing must be leak-tight to protect the cells from
environmental exposure (e.g., water or dust ingress).
- Helium leak detection ensures the enclosure's integrity by testing
for leaks in the seams, joints, or connectors of the pack.
3. Electrolyte Filling Systems
- During the manufacturing process, lithium-ion battery cells are
filled with a liquid electrolyte that facilitates ion transport.
Leak detection is crucial during and after this step to ensure that
the filled electrolyte does not leak out, which would compromise
performance and safety.
- Helium leak detectors are used to confirm the leak-tightness of the
cell after electrolyte filling and sealing.
4. Testing of Cooling Systems in EV Battery Packs
- Electric vehicle (EV) battery packs often include liquid cooling
systems to maintain optimal operating temperatures. These cooling
systems must be leak-tight to prevent coolant from leaking into the
battery cells and causing short circuits or other damage.
- Helium mass spectrometers are used to test the cooling channels and
ensure no leaks are present.
5. Quality Assurance and Process Control
- In large-scale production of lithium-ion batteries, helium leak
detectors are integrated into automated production lines for
continuous quality monitoring. This ensures that every battery
cell, module, and pack meets the required standards for
leak-tightness.
- Helium testing is often used in conjunction with vacuum chambers or
sniffer probes, depending on the specific part being tested.
Testing Methods in Lithium Battery Applications
1. Vacuum Method
- The test object is placed in a vacuum chamber and pressurized with
helium. Any helium escaping through leaks is detected by the mass
spectrometer.
- This method is highly sensitive and suitable for testing battery
cells and small modules.
2. Sniffer Method
- A sniffer probe connected to the helium mass spectrometer is used
to detect helium leaks at specific locations, such as welds,
joints, or seals.
- This method is practical for testing large battery packs or
localized leak detection.
3. Bombing Method
- The test object is pressurized with helium gas for a specific
period (the "bombing" phase). If leaks are present, helium will
penetrate the object. Afterward, the object is evacuated, and
helium escaping from leaks is detected.
- This method is used when direct pressurization is not feasible.
Optional Accessories of Helium Leak Detector: